Thomas Carl Bradley

Tom was born to Catherine and Walter “Kenny” Bradley in East St. Louis, Illinois. He had younger brothers Lew and Jim, and they resided in Dupo, Illinois where he graduated from high school. Tom enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where we served on minesweeper ships as an electronics technician, and on the USN Symbol ship during the Korean War. His parents moved to Phoenix in the early 1950’s after his dad served in World War II. While on leave, his mother introduced him to Delores Hardin, as they worked together as nurses at the Phoenix Indian hospital. Delores and Tom were married in 1955, and upon his honorable discharge in 1958, they returned to build their home in Phoenix, AZ. Tom joined the Phoenix Police Department, and finished his career there as an Auto Theft Detective, retiring in 1984.

Tom and Dee had three children, Corrine Gale, Kenneth, and Michael. Tom and Dee were active in the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #2, with Tom being on the Board over the years and maintaining his membership throughout his life until his death. Tom and his family, his parents, and his brother’s families spent a lot of time together fishing, hunting and exploring most of Arizona. The family also spent many summers in northern Nevada with Dee’s family, hunting and visiting. Unfortunately, Tom and Dee divorced, and he later remarried Linda Sutherland that ended in divorce. He helped raise Linda’s son, Michael Sutherland Bradley.

Tom retired from the Phoenix Police Department in 1984, and worked for a short time with the Youngtown Police Department, and then as Security for Smitty’s stores. Tom was very active in his Christian faith, and initiated being a Chaplain for Phoenix police. Whenever a law enforcement officer passed, Tom was there to comfort the family and provide support, and he worked with many of the Phoenix Police Chaplains to develop protocols for such times. Tom also became active in the West Valley Chapter Korean War Veterans where he served as the Commander of their post.

Tom was always seeking to assist law enforcement officers, veterans and friends, with a kind word, genuine smile, jokes, and heartwarming support. During the past few years, he reconnected with his natural children. He got to know and spend time with many of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who liked to visit Grandpa Tom. He was diagnosed with lung cancer late last year, and fought it hard because he said he wanted to make it to 100!

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jim, and son Kenneth, grandsons Evan Wilson and Zachary Bradley. He is survived by his daughter Corrine Wilson of Chandler, Arizona, son Michael Bradley of Reno, Nevada, brother Lew (Keiko) Bradley of Chandler, Arizona; 7 grandchildren, and 16 great-children; his stepson Michael, and his 3 children and 1 grandchild. Also, 10 nieces and nephews and their families.

Tom enjoyed his life in service and fellowship with his law enforcement, veterans, and Smitty’s colleagues and families. His active work within these circles has been noted by many as exemplary. Thank you Tom for your service, kind heart, and warm soul. Your work here is done, rest in peace in your heavenly home, your presence here will be missed by many.

Memorial Service to be held on Wednesday, August 7, 2019 at 1pm at the Resthaven Carr-Tenney Memorial Gardens and Mortuary, 4310 E. Southern Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85040, who will also handle his cremation.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any of Tom’s favorite charities, Paralyzed Veterans of America https://www.pva.org/; the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund https://nleomf.org/; or the Cancer Survivor’s Fund http://cancersurvivorsfund.org/.